99 Why Does the Church Offer Indulgences

One of the most important criticisms that Luther had against the Church was that some priests were selling indulgences. While “selling” them was an abuse, their proper use is of greatest importance. In today’s episode, we speak about one of the greatest ways you have to help those who have passed away—a treasure of the Catholic Church called “indulgences”. They are simple actions of devotion that, by the merits of Christ and the saints, can be very helpful to us and to the souls in Purgatory.

- The topics discussed in this episode can by found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1471-1479.

- Scripture Passages: The Power of the Keys (Matthew 16:19)

- To know all the prayers and devotions that carry an indulgence (partial or plenary) attached to it, here is the Catholic Manual on Indulgences: http://holyjoe.org/indulgences/Indulgences_1999.pdf 

- Here’s a longer article on Indulgences: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/whats-wrong-with-a-little-indulgence

- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.

- Visit the Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat) preached by the Priests of Miles Christi, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

- Planning, recording, editing and publishing by Fr. Patrick Wainwright, MC.

- Gear: Shure MV7 USB dynamic microphone

- Intro music from pond5.com